The pandemic presents society with a wide range of problems; many are long term while others are more immediate than they ever were. Particularly, COVID-19 highlights the extra difficulties students from disadvantaged backgrounds typically face. Coronavirus exacerbated some issues and they will worsen the longer the pandemic goes on. That is why some 50 UK universities have come together to offer a range of resources. It is called “Uni4Me”.
What is Uni4Me?
The government and 50 higher education organisations launched Uni4Me on 1st July. It is a new online hub providing 250 free resources and activities. Targeted primarily at GCSE and A-Level students considering high education, it includes:
- Virtual taster courses from top university institutions
- Free online tuition and other academic support
- Live events on a range of subjects such as how to choose a course or a university, budgeting, and alternatives to university
- Virtual campus tours and student life explainers
- Information for parents/guardians and carers
- Articles on university research and its vital contribution to knowledge
The coronavirus pandemic primarily affects the poorest students, their parents experiencing long-term financial difficulty. With finances stretched to the limit, some dismiss university application purely on financial grounds.
Universities fund the National Education Opportunities Network (NEON) led scheme.
Shift to Online Work
Universities were already shifting some core elements online when the pandemic hit. This new virtual environment recreates as much of university life as possible. At the same time, it helps dispel concerns about university life during and after the pandemic.
Universities hope Uni4Me will reach out to forgotten communities; particularly, it should aid those who think university is not for them. This is a modernisation program for the university application process while eliminating the expenses associated with travelling to open days.
This year alone, higher education providers and government have invested over £600m to increase participation for underrepresented communities. That is a large demographic tempted to avoid university as a life choice.
What Is the Expected Impact of Uni4Me?
It has not just been developed to present university life in a less formal and more relevant environment. It is part of an overall strategy to target the disadvantaged, especially those impacted by COVID-19. It has been demonstrated that early outreach in schools and sixth form colleges have improved students’ interest in higher education. That now cannot happen until January 2021 at the earliest.
Organisers will track usage data and adapt accordingly. This will help not just universities, but also schools and sixth form colleges understand student needs better. If successful, it will expand beyond the current 50 universities and add more resources. In time, it should become a major platform helping students from all backgrounds enter higher education.